It’s called ageism. We all do it. And people are living longer so maybe 81 is not that old anymore. There’s been a lot said about Joe’s mental state; actually too much, in my opinion. But the Democrats are now pulling together, well maybe not “all” but most. That’s what we need to do… get behind Joe and Kamala. If Joe can’t compete 4 years there is Kamala and she will be ready to step in. That’s what vice-presidents do. Vote blue up and down the ticket to avoid gridlock. We need Joe Biden. He’s for the people. Trump is not. He’s self-centered. It’s always about him.
And I’m not ashamed either. I’m 76 going on 86. At least I feel like it sometimes. I point out the difference between aging and mental health issues because there are differences between the two candidates. I admire Joe’s attitude, his knowledge and experience. He’s a fine example. I think the younger generations may not get it. Well I’d say the majority don’t. I hope they come around.
They probably won't. Ageism is universal and insidious. All we can try to do is try to minimize the age factor and concentrate on his successes as president to far. As well, of course, of the dangers ahead if we blow this.
I'm perceiving aging spurts- we called them growth spurts when we were kids....... They're inevitable yet can be infrequent until they become more frequent. He's showing stability now and we don't know how long it will last. His team can fill in and we need to have confidence that they'll call it when it's time and the VP can step in. Can we have confidence in that plan, short term as well as long term? I think we can. I remember reading about government officials intervening with Trump many times when he crossed the line so blatantly, saving the day so to speak. I want to think that the protection of Democracy is first and foremost.
I’m 80 and active as ever, just like Joe! I forget where I’m going in long convos… but so do many much younger friends! The judging and ageism is shameful … especially coming from celebrities, his own people. Not everyone keeps up the pace he’s going now…remember Obama’s commitment to family dinner time no matter what? Joe’s under pressure right now and it’s not healthy… he shouldn’t have to prove anything, change minds! We also need to rally round Kamala…she’s part of this and will step up and do what’s needed for democracy if ever needed!
Yes, every president took time away from the Oval Office to relax and refresh. Joe is being held to higher standards because he's visibly old and therefore has to prove his stamina before voters will take another chance on him.
Pure stupidity. Joe needs to do what's best for Joe while still doing what's best for the country. Pushing himself to extreme exhaustion in order to please the clueless few isn't worth it in the long run.
Historically, if change candidates now, Blue loses (ex: Hubert Humphrey). Republicans are already preparing lawsuits against someone else on ballot. Everyone must read Project 2025, which is what Trump, Heritage Foundation, and greedy, power-hungry GOP have promised to institute day one. I think the Biden-Harris team is basically democratic not authoritarian. I will vote blue up & down the ticket. I don’t care if Biden is on a ventilator or the star in weekend-at-Bernie’s plot. I have white hot hate for Trump & MAGA. As for Gaza, haven’t you heard Trump tell Netanyahu to hurry & finish the job? Or telling Putin to invade wherever he desires??? Put on your big pants and dance with the one who brung ya.
I wish these Democratic office holders would not speak to the MSM and give them these constant sound bites. Can’t they do this privately within their ranks and stop making news. We all know that lately the MSM is not reporting the news they are making the news.
Joe is old. That is not a scandal. It is being reported at every level like he is guilty of something.
Too late to make any changes unless we are told by reliable sources that he can not do it.
Thank you for this post, Ramona. I'm 81 and heading to 82 and beyond, hopefully.
I heard an interesting commentary this morning on Saturday Edition with Scott Simon on NPR. Scott often has Ron Elving on for political commentary. There were many worthy comments today from Ron, but the one that sticks with me, if Ron is right, is that there are only 10 House Democrats that are vocally calling for President Biden to step aside (which if he does, in my humble opinion, hands the election to Mr. Trump. These 10 House Democrats, mostly from California, are basically worried that they won't be reelected if President Biden remains in the race.
Yes, regaining the House is important, I understand that and holding the Senate is paramount.
If President Biden is forced out of this race, the Democratic Party will be in deep doodoo not only for this election but future elections, because they effectively will have voided all ballots in the States that have already held 2024 primaries.
If age is the issue, then, frankly, Democrats should have done the math in 2020. We knew we were electing a man who is no spring chicken, but we did elect a man with morals, experience, values, and who is able to talk with us in complete sentences.
I have bad days. If I want "stream of consciousness" vomit, I know where I can find it!
It is only a handful in Congress, and none of them have much clout, but they get talked about because they're doing it. The same with the celebrities. That doesn't worry me as much as the possibility that half the Democratic voters still need to be convinced. I wish the other Dem leaders would speak up now. For or against? They have to let their voices be heard.
All Democratic voices need to be heard. Project 2025 scares me more than any failing that President Biden has. I can't understand why the media isn't talking about Project 2025.
Joe also has a masterful command over foreign affairs and the experience to wield that knowledge masterfully way. I'm 72, and I have word and name retrieval issues, but ask me anything about teaching English the second language learners and applied linguistics, my former vocation, and I'm still an expert and still willing to learn new stuff. One thing is having a word on the tip of your tongue you can't remember and another is remembering knowledge and applying it. That awful orange man never had knowledge to begin with.I agree that this is agism at its worst. The focus of the campaign shouldn't be to dispute that He is old, but to remind people that wisdom born of experience and a lifetime of public service is an important value.
The rampant ageism is so galling to me right now. My Dad is almost 92, spry, active and sharp-minded. What happened to respecting your elders? That practice seems to have totally drained away from our culture. I’m a Gen-Xer, and was taught to respect my elders, by my born-post-depression-era parents. I grew up idolizing my dear Grandpa who shared so many magical moments with me, until he died on my birthday in 1994. I thought he was the wisest person I’d ever known! He was a chemical engineer in his work life and liked to fix his own cars. He was a great cook and made marmalades and pickles out of the strangest scraps and peels. (I tried his pickled watermelon rind at 5 yrs old and loved it). He had fruit trees, a vegetable garden, he grew pineapples along the side of his house. He showed me what a compost pile was and how it fed his garden. He took me out in the middle of the night to see a rare blooming flower on a cactus plant that lived in the corner of his yard. Most of all he was a kind, loving person who believed in helping others. I see that selfless, kind wisdom in Joe Biden so clearly, and it’s baffling to understand why others don’t see it or won’t at least defend it.
I’ve discovered how the Biden-Must-Go brigade deals with Biden’s numerous campaign stops since The Debate, his detailed, complex answers on foreign policy, and his barn-burner of a speech in Detroit yesterday. They ignore them, or they hammer at the inconsequential misspeakings, or they frame them as “Biden Tries to Torn His Flailing Campaign Around in Detroit.” I sense a real dislike in some of these figures from corporate media, which has latched on to a respectable excuse to manifest itself: “It’s for the good of the country!”
What I don't understand is why Republicans are totally onboard supporting a twice-impeached convicted felon, who wants to turn the country into an autocracy on Day 1 of his Presidency and the Democrats who have a person in place who is for the people and democracy and are trying to replace him. We all know Biden's age, I can imagine that being President is an enormous burden on one's health. His opponent could never have conducted the press conference he did the other night. I don't get it.
It doesn’t matter who the democratic candidate is, the media will tear them up and continue to be complicit in a trump victory. I blame half of this pickle we’re in on the dems and half on the media. Ok, maybe 60/40.
I thought you were way too accommodating to the naysayers here, Ramona. Biden’s press conference about the NATO conference , his deep knowledge about foreign affairs and international relations was impressive.
His Detroit speech Friday night was great! Look it up on YouTube.
(And if you read the Debate transcript, Biden was not that bad and Trump was insane) It was the optics—a sore throat and low volume and a weird camera angle.
But what I came here to say is, what would be Plan B? A contested convention? Even if Kamala were picked, do you really think this racist, SEXIST country would support her? And if she weren’t picked do you think Black voters would support another? You remember the 1968 convention, right? When Nixon swept the General.
Presidents have VPs for a reason. He has a great VP and a terrific team around him.
So the NYT (who wants Trump to win for $$ profits) and these wealthy white mostly men pushing for Biden to step down are wrong.
Read Simon Rosenberg and Heather Cox Richardson, or watch their videos and feel better.
Been there, done all of that. My purpose here is to plead for common sense. The background info is out there and I’ve written about it, as well as sharing what the others you’ve mentioned have written. We’re all blitzing it!
It’s called ageism. We all do it. And people are living longer so maybe 81 is not that old anymore. There’s been a lot said about Joe’s mental state; actually too much, in my opinion. But the Democrats are now pulling together, well maybe not “all” but most. That’s what we need to do… get behind Joe and Kamala. If Joe can’t compete 4 years there is Kamala and she will be ready to step in. That’s what vice-presidents do. Vote blue up and down the ticket to avoid gridlock. We need Joe Biden. He’s for the people. Trump is not. He’s self-centered. It’s always about him.
I'm 86. I've been 81. I'm old and so is Joe. It's nothing either of us are ashamed about.
And I’m not ashamed either. I’m 76 going on 86. At least I feel like it sometimes. I point out the difference between aging and mental health issues because there are differences between the two candidates. I admire Joe’s attitude, his knowledge and experience. He’s a fine example. I think the younger generations may not get it. Well I’d say the majority don’t. I hope they come around.
They probably won't. Ageism is universal and insidious. All we can try to do is try to minimize the age factor and concentrate on his successes as president to far. As well, of course, of the dangers ahead if we blow this.
I'm perceiving aging spurts- we called them growth spurts when we were kids....... They're inevitable yet can be infrequent until they become more frequent. He's showing stability now and we don't know how long it will last. His team can fill in and we need to have confidence that they'll call it when it's time and the VP can step in. Can we have confidence in that plan, short term as well as long term? I think we can. I remember reading about government officials intervening with Trump many times when he crossed the line so blatantly, saving the day so to speak. I want to think that the protection of Democracy is first and foremost.
Yes. Absolutely.
I’m 80 and active as ever, just like Joe! I forget where I’m going in long convos… but so do many much younger friends! The judging and ageism is shameful … especially coming from celebrities, his own people. Not everyone keeps up the pace he’s going now…remember Obama’s commitment to family dinner time no matter what? Joe’s under pressure right now and it’s not healthy… he shouldn’t have to prove anything, change minds! We also need to rally round Kamala…she’s part of this and will step up and do what’s needed for democracy if ever needed!
Yes, every president took time away from the Oval Office to relax and refresh. Joe is being held to higher standards because he's visibly old and therefore has to prove his stamina before voters will take another chance on him.
Pure stupidity. Joe needs to do what's best for Joe while still doing what's best for the country. Pushing himself to extreme exhaustion in order to please the clueless few isn't worth it in the long run.
Right on…we can’t let this happen. I’m “Riden With Biden”. All Democrats are called to do the same.
Historically, if change candidates now, Blue loses (ex: Hubert Humphrey). Republicans are already preparing lawsuits against someone else on ballot. Everyone must read Project 2025, which is what Trump, Heritage Foundation, and greedy, power-hungry GOP have promised to institute day one. I think the Biden-Harris team is basically democratic not authoritarian. I will vote blue up & down the ticket. I don’t care if Biden is on a ventilator or the star in weekend-at-Bernie’s plot. I have white hot hate for Trump & MAGA. As for Gaza, haven’t you heard Trump tell Netanyahu to hurry & finish the job? Or telling Putin to invade wherever he desires??? Put on your big pants and dance with the one who brung ya.
I wish these Democratic office holders would not speak to the MSM and give them these constant sound bites. Can’t they do this privately within their ranks and stop making news. We all know that lately the MSM is not reporting the news they are making the news.
Joe is old. That is not a scandal. It is being reported at every level like he is guilty of something.
Too late to make any changes unless we are told by reliable sources that he can not do it.
Until then Joe is my guy!
Thank you for this post, Ramona. I'm 81 and heading to 82 and beyond, hopefully.
I heard an interesting commentary this morning on Saturday Edition with Scott Simon on NPR. Scott often has Ron Elving on for political commentary. There were many worthy comments today from Ron, but the one that sticks with me, if Ron is right, is that there are only 10 House Democrats that are vocally calling for President Biden to step aside (which if he does, in my humble opinion, hands the election to Mr. Trump. These 10 House Democrats, mostly from California, are basically worried that they won't be reelected if President Biden remains in the race.
Yes, regaining the House is important, I understand that and holding the Senate is paramount.
If President Biden is forced out of this race, the Democratic Party will be in deep doodoo not only for this election but future elections, because they effectively will have voided all ballots in the States that have already held 2024 primaries.
If age is the issue, then, frankly, Democrats should have done the math in 2020. We knew we were electing a man who is no spring chicken, but we did elect a man with morals, experience, values, and who is able to talk with us in complete sentences.
I have bad days. If I want "stream of consciousness" vomit, I know where I can find it!
It is only a handful in Congress, and none of them have much clout, but they get talked about because they're doing it. The same with the celebrities. That doesn't worry me as much as the possibility that half the Democratic voters still need to be convinced. I wish the other Dem leaders would speak up now. For or against? They have to let their voices be heard.
All Democratic voices need to be heard. Project 2025 scares me more than any failing that President Biden has. I can't understand why the media isn't talking about Project 2025.
I can’t, either. It’s the most menacing warning I’ve ever seen from an opposition American political party in my long, long lifetime.
In total agreement with you.
Joe also has a masterful command over foreign affairs and the experience to wield that knowledge masterfully way. I'm 72, and I have word and name retrieval issues, but ask me anything about teaching English the second language learners and applied linguistics, my former vocation, and I'm still an expert and still willing to learn new stuff. One thing is having a word on the tip of your tongue you can't remember and another is remembering knowledge and applying it. That awful orange man never had knowledge to begin with.I agree that this is agism at its worst. The focus of the campaign shouldn't be to dispute that He is old, but to remind people that wisdom born of experience and a lifetime of public service is an important value.
The rampant ageism is so galling to me right now. My Dad is almost 92, spry, active and sharp-minded. What happened to respecting your elders? That practice seems to have totally drained away from our culture. I’m a Gen-Xer, and was taught to respect my elders, by my born-post-depression-era parents. I grew up idolizing my dear Grandpa who shared so many magical moments with me, until he died on my birthday in 1994. I thought he was the wisest person I’d ever known! He was a chemical engineer in his work life and liked to fix his own cars. He was a great cook and made marmalades and pickles out of the strangest scraps and peels. (I tried his pickled watermelon rind at 5 yrs old and loved it). He had fruit trees, a vegetable garden, he grew pineapples along the side of his house. He showed me what a compost pile was and how it fed his garden. He took me out in the middle of the night to see a rare blooming flower on a cactus plant that lived in the corner of his yard. Most of all he was a kind, loving person who believed in helping others. I see that selfless, kind wisdom in Joe Biden so clearly, and it’s baffling to understand why others don’t see it or won’t at least defend it.
I’ve discovered how the Biden-Must-Go brigade deals with Biden’s numerous campaign stops since The Debate, his detailed, complex answers on foreign policy, and his barn-burner of a speech in Detroit yesterday. They ignore them, or they hammer at the inconsequential misspeakings, or they frame them as “Biden Tries to Torn His Flailing Campaign Around in Detroit.” I sense a real dislike in some of these figures from corporate media, which has latched on to a respectable excuse to manifest itself: “It’s for the good of the country!”
I just subscribed to ‘Proof’ on Substack. Such a good, but long, read on plenty of proof. I’d suggest a read.💙‼️
Yes, it’s very good.
It’s by Seth Abrahmson - Proof
What I don't understand is why Republicans are totally onboard supporting a twice-impeached convicted felon, who wants to turn the country into an autocracy on Day 1 of his Presidency and the Democrats who have a person in place who is for the people and democracy and are trying to replace him. We all know Biden's age, I can imagine that being President is an enormous burden on one's health. His opponent could never have conducted the press conference he did the other night. I don't get it.
It doesn’t matter who the democratic candidate is, the media will tear them up and continue to be complicit in a trump victory. I blame half of this pickle we’re in on the dems and half on the media. Ok, maybe 60/40.
Trump winning over Biden would be tossing an Encyclopedia in the trash and running the country from a comic book.
Love that! ❤️
I thought you were way too accommodating to the naysayers here, Ramona. Biden’s press conference about the NATO conference , his deep knowledge about foreign affairs and international relations was impressive.
His Detroit speech Friday night was great! Look it up on YouTube.
(And if you read the Debate transcript, Biden was not that bad and Trump was insane) It was the optics—a sore throat and low volume and a weird camera angle.
But what I came here to say is, what would be Plan B? A contested convention? Even if Kamala were picked, do you really think this racist, SEXIST country would support her? And if she weren’t picked do you think Black voters would support another? You remember the 1968 convention, right? When Nixon swept the General.
Presidents have VPs for a reason. He has a great VP and a terrific team around him.
So the NYT (who wants Trump to win for $$ profits) and these wealthy white mostly men pushing for Biden to step down are wrong.
Read Simon Rosenberg and Heather Cox Richardson, or watch their videos and feel better.
Been there, done all of that. My purpose here is to plead for common sense. The background info is out there and I’ve written about it, as well as sharing what the others you’ve mentioned have written. We’re all blitzing it!